Our view: Change came Tuesday where it was wanted

There are two new mayors and at least five new first selectmen -- maybe six -- in the region ready to take the helm in their respective communities following Tuesday’s municipal elections.

None of the changes came as a surprise, all coming in communities where change was on the agenda, such as Canterbury, where voters will again go the polls next week to try and pass a budget for the fifth time.

And in Brooklyn, where voters had enough of the conflict and controversy.

In Putnam, Voluntown and Thompson, open seats for mayor and first selectman led to the election of new faces and new ideas. And in Norwich, change comes in form of personality more than in direction. Voters opted for a new face while at the same time electing someone who voted in favor of the very issues that led many to want a change in the first place.

And In Griswold, the jury is still out. That race too close to call and a recount is needed.

Elsewhere, voters expressed confidence in those already serving, obviously satisfied with the work done in the past, and comfortable in their leadership going forward.

We congratulate the winners, both newcomers and incumbents, and remind each that the voters in your community have put their faith in you -- and with that comes expectations that you will fulfill the promises you made.

That won’t always be easy, and you’ll likely come to realize sooner rather than later that the challenges you face are a bit more daunting than what you initially realized. But we trust that you will give it your best shot. Your constituents can ask no more of you.

We also send our sincere thanks to those who stepped forward, but fell short at the end. Your willingness to serve and to offer voters in your community a choice is greatly appreciated. Without you, the debate on the issues important to your neighbors would not have taken place.

That may seem like a small consolation given the amount of work, energy and effort that you put in over these past several months, but our thanks for your participation is sincere.